TRACK TB: Events

The White House recently launched the National Action Plan for Combating Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) which aims to treat 35 percent of all MDR-TB patients in the 10 countries with the highest TB burden by 2018. TB has caused more deaths than any other single infectious disease worldwide. Over the past 20 years the number of people who develop TB has declined annually, but the development and spread of MDR-TB can easily erode and reverse this significant progress. MDR-TB is resistant to the two most potent TB drugs and treatment is significantly more expensive; it presents a major challenge to the health system and pushes people into poverty. This panel and reception event will delve deeper into some of the specifics of tackling MDR-TB in high-burden environments, with a focus on the successful implementation of proven strategies. Join us as we discuss what is working, what lessons can be learned and applied in other settings, the challenges that remain, and innovative ways to tackle them.

Health systems stengthening drives our response to the tuberculosis epidemic. In over 30 countries MSH is working with international, national, and local partners to strengthen the capacity of health systems, national TB programs, and health managers to improve the lives of those affected by TB and prevent the spread of disease. Our work addresses all elements of the health system: service delivery; leadership and governance; medical products, vaccines, and technologies; health financing; health information; and human resources.